Mario Cantone is a celebrated comedian and actor known for his flamboyant, high-energy performances and sharp comedic timing. Cantone received widespread acclaim for his one-man variety show "Laugh Whore," which opened on Broadway to a barrage of rave reviews and was later taped for the Showtime network. This success followed his standout performance in the acclaimed Broadway production of "The Violet Hour," and his role in "Assassins,” the Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman, directed by Joe Mantello, who also directed Cantone in "Laugh Whore." Mario is perhaps best recognized by television audiences for his iconic role as Anthony Marintino, the sassy wedding planner on "Sex and the City," a character also featured in the "Sex and the City" feature films, including its sequel planned for release in 2010. As an accomplished stage actor, Cantone made his Broadway debut when he replaced Nathan Lane in the role of Buzz in Terrence McNally's Tony Award-winning dramatic comedy, "Love! Valour! Compassion!" He further showcased his range in Shakespeare’s plays, appearing as Stephano in "The Tempest" for The Public Theater and as Grumio in "Taming of the Shrew" in Shakespeare in the Park. Off-Broadway, Cantone originated the role of Terry in "The Crumple Zone" and played Benny in "June Moon." In addition to his theater work, Cantone has made a name for himself as a stand-up comedian. His electrifying performances have lit up venues from the iconic Carnegie Hall, where he opened for the legendary Shirley Bassey, to headlining at the Borgata in Atlantic City and Carolines on Broadway. Described by Peter Marks of The New York Times as a practitioner of "outrageously joyful stand-up," Cantone has become known for his comedy of extravagant outrage. On Comedy Central, Cantone has been featured on programs such as "The USO Comedy Tour," "Chappelle's Show," and "Premium Blend," as well as his own special, "Comedy Central Presents: Mario Cantone." He has participated in roasts for celebrities like Denis Leary and Joan Rivers. His stand-up routines often include musical parodies of pop culture icons such as Judy Garland, Jim Morrison, Peggy Lee, Bruce Springsteen, and Liza Minnelli. Cantone's television career began with hosting "Steampipe Alley," a New York children's show where he cleverly included pop culture references for adult audiences. His other television appearances include "Late Night with David Letterman," "Oprah," "Martha," "The View," "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," and "Men in Trees." Additionally, he has starred in Lifetime films "Killer Hair" and "Hostile Makeover," and has appeared in the movies "Quiz Show," "Mousetrap," and the animated feature "Surf's Up." Mario also recently completed work on the movie "Dirty Movie." With a career that spans stand-up comedy, television, and stage, Mario Cantone continues to captivate audiences with his vibrant personality and keen comedic insight.